billandsue

Dave -- Nice work. A word of caution about Grok AI, though: https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/14/24220173/xai-grok-image-generator-misinformation-offensive-imges

I pay for the premium versions of Midjourney and Adobe Firefly, which gives me pretty much unlimited access to create images with both platforms. I've received a few comments on Flickr that my images are "fake," or that I'm trying to pass them off as actual photos, which is not true. Both platforms have an amazing ability to create photorealistic images, although in my opinion, Midjourney is better at it than Firefly. Of course, Adobe has the edge in post-processing, with tools like Photoshop CC. One of the biggest advantages of generative AI programs like Midjourney and Firefly is that they afford people like me, who may not have the opportunity or ability (not to mention the equipment) to visit exotic locales and take professional-quality photos, a platform whereby I can create beautiful, high-quality images to enjoy and to share with others. I have purchased a high-end photo printer, and am printing some of the best images I have ever created. In addition, I am becoming far more proficient in developing my post-processing skills like upscaling, sharpening, dodging and burning, and others. I think that many photographers will agree that while taking a photo requires a number of skills related to composition, lighting, focal length, shutter speed, aperture, etc., much of the time-consuming work in creating an image with visual impact occurs during post-processing. Thanks for starting this discussion, Dave. I look forward to hearing your thoughts as well as those of others.

Interesting that you mention an image of whales breaching. Although I've been on an Alaskan cruise, I have not been able to get a decent photo of a whale breaching. So, I turned to Midjourney and typed in the following prompt: "Extra wide digital photo of a Humpback Whale fluke visible in Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska taken with a Sony A7R Mark II camera." I selected one of several images generated by Midjourney, and performed several enhancements in post-processing with programs such as Photoshop CC, Topaz AI, etc. Below is the resulting image:

Here are a couple of images I have created with Midjourney AI. Click on the images to enlarge for greater detail.

Dave -- I have been an avid user of generative AI programs for some time. I create my images primarily with Midjourney and Adobe Firefly. To generate a basic image, I try several different prompts -- with Midjourney, I can specify the aspect ratio, specific camera and lens, lighting, and other features. I usually try a number of prompts before I am reasonably happy with the images generated. I then select the image I want to work with. After I have selected an image and saved it, I begin my workflow, which typically includes extensive post-processing using such programs as Topaz Photo AI, Snapseed, and Photoshop Elements. Post-processing includes upscaling the image, removing noise, sharpening, cropping, adjusting features such as brightness, contrast, shadows, saturation, tint, and special effects such as HDR, vignetting, etc. If the image is black and white, there are specialized features to work with in post-processing to achieve the correct tonal balance. Typically, I spend a couple of hours on post-processing before I am satisfied that the image is ready to upload to Flickr and print. In short, my workflow with AI-generated images is no different than the workflow for my photographic images, and actually involves more activity in generating the original image. When I upload to Flickr, I am careful not to describe the images as photos. I use the term "images" and candidly note that the images were generated with AI programs such as Midjourney or Adobe Firefly. When the first photographic images were created around 1839, painters and visual artists felt that this new technology would render their artistic efforts and creations obsolete. Of course, that did not happen. Similarly, AI will not render photographic images obsolete. It is another tool with which artists can create images that evoke both visual and emotional responses. In closing, I highly recommend Susan Sontag's book "On Photography," a collection of essays she wrote in the 1970s.

Check out this Ulanzi smartphone grip. It has a number of features, including a threaded tripod mount, bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in flash . . . https://www.ulanzi.com/collections/smartphone-camera-grip/products/ulanzi-cg-02-smartphone-camera-grip-bluetooth-with-fill-light-3282

This image depicts John Denver and Jimmy Buffett playing together at a concert that never happened. The two singer-songwriters were friends, and Buffett frequently split his time between Key West and Aspen, which John Denver called home. Buffett also recorded Denver's song "Rocky Mountain High" with his Coral Reefer Band. Had the concert depicted in this image taken place, I can easily imagine them singing Denver's ode to Jacques Costeau, "Calypso," which would fit perfectly with Buffett's lifestyle. With their loyal fans, what a concert it would have been. . . Although Denver died in 1997 at the age of 53, this image depicts what I imagine he would have looked like around 2013, at which time he would have been 70 years old.

I'm interested in hearing from those of you who have some experience with images created with Artificial Intelligence programs such as Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly, and others. Specifically, I would like to know what effect these generative AI programs will have on the future of photography. I have been experimenting with a couple of AI programs, and have attached below an image generated by Midjourney AI following my prompt to create a highly detailed photographic image of two Macaws in a tropical rainforest. To be honest, I was stunned by the quality of the image, and would love to hear your thoughts. I would also love to see any AI images you have created.

Last week, I purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package for $67.99 per person per day. Today, it was $59.99, so I canceled the previous purchase and repurchased at the lower price. For a five night cruise in November on Voyager of the Seas, I saved about $100 for two of us. I haven't seen it lower than $59.99 in several years.

Guest services said the next cruise will depart this evening around 8:00 p.m.

We're moving now. ETA in Tampa is 4:30 p.m.

I'm on Serenade, and was told by an officer that once the ship starts moving, it will be four hours before we dock in Tampa. Add to that the logistics involved in disembarking, luggage, etc., and he told me I would not make my 3:45 pm. flight (which Southwest said has been delayed to 4:30). They are now serving lunch in the Windjammer, and several bars and pools are open. Casino is closed. I feel bad for those who were scheduled to board today.

Does anyone have information on the current entertainers on Serenade of the Seas? I'm going on a 7-night cruise in November and would like to know who the entertainers might be (bands, comedians, shows, etc). I realize the entertainment lineup could change between now and November, but would appreciate knowing who the current entertainers are.